Workington Reds have been rocked by the sudden departure of assistant manager Steven Rudd.
Although he wasn’t with the team at Prescot Cables last night, the initial word was that he hadn’t travelled because of illness.
But today has come the official announcement from the Reds that Rudd, a popular figure in three spells at the club had decided to leave with immediate effect.
Manager Danny Grainger, now looking for a trusted second-in-command, was clearly shocked by the news.
“I am absolutely gutted to see Ruddy leave as he’s someone I’m very close to, not just in football terms but away from the game too.
“He has given everything to this club. It won’t be the same without him and he goes with our sincere thanks and best wishes.
“I have the utmost respect for him and hope, one day, we will be reunited and have him standing by my side again.
“He is a credit to his family in the way he conducts himself in everything he does.”
Rudd himself made an emotional statement to the Reds website saying: “I would like to say this not a decision I have taken lightly or made overnight but is something discussed with Danny a couple of times during pre-season.
“I just feel it may be the right time for the club and the players if someone new comes in to take things forward.
“I have loved every minute of my time at the club and it will always be a special place to me. It has been such a massive part of my life and journey in football so far,
“It has been a privilege to be the assistant manager of this great club for the last four seasons.”
In this his third spell at the club he has concentrated on first team affairs but his in-depth knowledge of schools and youth football has seen him a key component of Reds development policy.
Rudd, from Wigton, has been involved in various capacities and at various times since 2006 when he joined the club as a midfielder under Darren Edmondson.
He hade his first team debut at 17 under Edmondson in Conference North and then had a spell at Gretna when the former Scottish League side re-formed.
It was his own decision to end his playing career and concentrate on coaching, and has recently attained his UEFA A licence.
“Reds will be the first result I’ll look out for and I wish the club nothing but good fortune as there are so many great people involved from top to bottom,” he concluded.
